::Appreciation::

Saturday I hopped an early morning ferry to teach at Island Quilter on Vashon Island. I felt so satisfied stitching away on the binding of my Rock Star Quilt during the sailing, knowing that all day I will be surrounded by fabric, creative juices and amazing artwork.

As usual, Anja of Island Quilter didn’t disappoint. This month for her exhibit of quilts she is featuring the artist Luke Haynes. They had just celebrated the exhibit’s opening the night before. I was sorry to have missed it.

From the moment I walked through the door I was wowed.

I’ve attended an exhibit of Luke’s before, but the Island Quilter exhibit space is just amazing for viewing quilts.

It certainly is a must see.

Both the students and I commented on how much we appreciate Island Quilter’s workshop space. Nothing like a large bright space with your own table and design wall to get the creative juices flowing.

I left so refreshed that I instantly added some classes. We’re going to be doing a whole day of gift projects before the holidays and then some workshops in January.

And of course you know what happens when you find yourself in a fabric store right? I bought fabric! Ha ha.

Look what else I found on the shelves? Violet Craft’s fabric line Madrona Road.

I don’t know if you’ve heard, but the Modern Quilt Guild has launched its winter 2012 fabric challenge and we’ll be using Violet’s fabric line. I’m sure we’ll be needing more for binding and quilt backs and there are certainly some stash builders in this line. Love that crosshatch and the herringbone is a quilt design in itself.

I’m also totally smitten with this new Alexander Henry line and found it hard to walk away. Tucked in the maze of shelves here are out of print fabrics that you have drooled over online. There is one in particular that I’m not showing because I want it later for myself!

The whole day made me truly appreciate where I live and the people (and fabric) that surround me.

I’m off this morning to work on some samples blocks for my Psychedelic Baby Block workshop at the Quilting Loft. I’ve just been informed that a photo of the quilt will be in a magazine! I love this block, it is so versatile in design possibilities!

I don’t know if this time change thing has thrown you off, but I was up so early I could have escorted people home from the bar. Happy Monday!

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::Whole Cloth Quilt Finishing Class:: $85 Thursdays, November 15th and the 29th from 6-9 at The Quilting Loft.

Quilt top, batting, and a backing…baste, quilt, and bind! Learn the essential basics of finishing a quilt without piecing a thing! Create a simple crisp modern baby quilt while learning the process. Quilting designs with a walking foot will be a covered. Walking foot required.

::Psychedelic Baby Block Workshop:: $85 Saturday, November 17th from 10am-4pm at the Quilting Loft in Ballard.

We’ll create a unique block utalizing improvisational strip piecing techniques. Design wall time with your blocks will allow you to come up with a quilt design that suites you. All level of sewists welcome.